RESOURCES

Download msWord Document

Press Photos (higher resolution)

DONATE NOW

Press Release, October 11, 2004

For Immediate Release — October 11, 2004

Michael Huffington Gives Public, Financial Support to Leading Scholarship Foundation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students

Inspired by personal meetings with Point Scholars, Huffington offers $150,000 challenge grant to The Point Foundation

(Chicago, IL) – This week philanthropist Michael Huffington stepped forward to offer his financial and personal support to The Point Foundation in the form of a new $150,000 challenge grant. The Point Foundation is the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) scholarship foundation, providing not only multi-year financial grants, but also mentoring, networking and internship opportunities to young people marginalized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This generous donation marks the first time that the prominent business leader, and former congressman, has publicly supported a LGBT charitable organization.

Huffington gave an initial $100,000 grant to The Point Foundation earlier this year, challenging the organization to create a $1 million endowment — a goal the foundation achieved within merely 90 days of Huffington's challenge. He decided to issue the second matching grant after meeting with some of the current Point Scholars.

“This is the first time I have taken a public role for a LGBT non-profit, even though I have contributed financially to several others. After meeting with a few Point Scholars, it’s clear that they possess enormous talent and ambition, and are now able to reach their potential thanks to the support of The Point Foundation. Other than love, there is nothing more important that we can give young people than a good education. And that is why I have decided to lend my support to The Point Foundation," concluded Huffington.

The Point Foundation is committed to raising an additional $850,000 by June 30, 2005 to match Huffington’s contribution.

“This year we were able to give 25 scholarships,” said Executive Director Vance Lancaster, “but there are so many more deserving students in need. This challenge is both wonderful and daunting. Last year, Michael Huffington gave us a tremendous challenge to build an endowment, and people in the community stepped up to help us meet it. We will only meet this new challenge to raise $850,000, if other generous individuals step forward to support our mission. I am confident it will happen. We are grateful to leaders like Michael who are willing to make a significant commitment, and support these outstanding students.”

Individuals who would like to make a donation to support current and future Point Scholars can donate online at www.ThePointFoundation.org. or call toll-free: 866-33-POINT.

###